London doesn't disappoint...Victoria and Albert...

Tom is really getting used to visiting museums. In this case, we were at the Victoria and Albert Museum on London, walking distance from our hotel.

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Gee...Tom took a photo of me without it being too blurry.

Many times, we've mentioned our lack of interest in visiting big cities mainly due to the following; the noise, the crowds, the long lines, the traffic and the lack of vegetation and wildlife. Then, there's the outrageous prices on literally everything that may be half the cost in more rural areas.
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The entrance to Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

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Several special exhibits were highlighted during this period including "Disobedient Objects."

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More "Disobedient Objects."

London, unlike Paris, provides us with the ability to freely communicate, the sense of safety in this beautiful area of Kensington (which feels more as a suburb than the city), and the overall friendliness of its people. Even the tourists seem more dignified, not pushing as they walk on the busy streets.
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The theme seemed a little vague when most of the items were trendy from the 20th century.
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This decorated car was from the 70's.

We knew we'd like the UK. We've spent the last year watching news on BBC (one of the few English speaking news channels that have been available).We've found several BBC TV series exceedingly entertaining such as: Downton Abbey, Luther, What Remains and Broadchurch, having downloaded and watched each episode during those quiet evenings after dinner.
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These brought back memories to the 50's and 60's.
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Every era has had its "frumpy" period.
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These were small appearing to be clothing for children.

I'd wear that if I'd fit into it!

London, a city of art and culture, leaves nothing behind on the world stage of entertainment, as we peruse posters and billboards of upcoming events. With no charge to enter museums the appreciation of the UK's and the world's history and artifacts was evident when on Monday, we visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, a 20 minute walk from our hotel.
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This appears to be a dress that may have been worn in a dance hall.

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Late 1800's.

The intricate detail on this hand woven fan drew quite an audience.

With three museums located next to one another in the same city block, our intention has been to visit each museum on a separate day. Today, we'd hoped to enter the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.
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Women today can't wait to get out of their bras after a long day. Can we imagine how women felt wearing these types of corsets all day.
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A typical hoop from the 1800's.

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Elegant wear of the wealthy was also displayed.

However, when we arrived at each of the museums there were no less than 2000 people in line at each location which would take from one to two hours of standing in potentially rainy weather.
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Another exquisite fan. ﻿

Wigs and gloves worn by men in the 1700's.
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The undergarments necessary to wear such a dress.

We've decided to return other days, to try to get inside the two other museums, perhaps early before they open or later in the day hopefully finding shorter lines. Few venues are worthy of two hours in line to either of us particularly if there's a possibility of rain.
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The more tailored 20th century.
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After leaving the fashion area we wandered to sculptures from around the world during many eras. This work was Caesar attacking the British.

Instead, we walked further down the road to the Victoria and Albert Museum which had not waiting to enter although was not disappointing by any means with a diverse array of interesting artifacts we found fascinating. ﻿

The large garden area of the museum was packed with visitors.

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Children were playing in the wading pool.
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Late in the summer for many flowers, we spotted a few in the museum's garden.

Thus, we share a series of diverse photos today. Many areas of the museum were entirely unrelated to one another, a scenario which some may find unsettling.
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Back inside the museum we encountered another permanent exhibit.
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Beautiful wall sculpture in pleasing colors.

A sculpted alter.

With both of us possessing short attention spans, this was ideal, as we flitted from one arena to another happily snapping away while conversing over the various items.
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Priest's garments.
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Colorful sculpture.

For a moment I touched the top of this slab of marble and a guard warned me to take my hand off of it. Embarrassed, I quickly removed my hand. In reading the description I read this was made in the 16th century. Yes, I suppose one shouldn't touch!

Its would be disappointing if we are unable to eventually see the other two nearby museums. But, we understand with no entrance fees, they provide a huge attraction to tourists and local alike.
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We sat for a few minutes taking in our surroundings in an area where a church had be replicated using centuries old artifacts.
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This intricate pagoda was on display in the Asian art area.
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This handmade boat was also in the Asian art area.

Today, as we mentioned above, we off on a 10 hour tour to Downton Abbey and Oxford University. We'll be back tomorrow with hopefully lots of interesting new photos. Have a happy day!_______________________________________

Photo from one year ago today, August 20, 2013:The internet was down all day on this date one year ago and we weren't ever able to post. Please check back tomorrow.